RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of Loletia Gail Causey, 36, of 120 Moore St., Siler City; she was charged with one count each of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that Causey submitted inflated and fraudulent medical bills in support of a claim with Southern General Insurance Company after an Aug. 4, 2013, car accident in Chatham County. Investigators allege that Causey exaggerated the extent of her medical injuries and submitted the fraudulent medical bills in an attempt to defraud the insurance company of nearly $11,000.

Causey was arrested on Dec. 11 in Chatham County and placed under a $10,000 bond. She is expected to appear at the New Chatham County Courthouse on Jan. 13.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have made more than 800 arrests, resulting in more than 430 criminal convictions. These efforts have delivered more than $55 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.